- MISUMI Top Page
- Techblog
- Product Usage
- Damping materials in mechanics and construction: Ideas, applications and advantages
Damping materials in mechanics and construction: Ideas, applications and advantages
Damping materials are essential in mechanics and construction. They are used to dampen the impact of shocks and vibrations and to improve the operation of machines and systems. They can be used in different mechanical and technical applications due to their unique properties. This article describes different types of damping and elastic materials, as well as their use in mechanics and construction. This article deals with different types of damping materials, their uses in mechanical applications and their specific properties.
Why are damping materials useful in mechanics?
Damping materials can be used in mechanics as vibration dampers to reduce vibrations, shocks and/or noise generated by mechanical systems such as engines, transmissions and other components. Reducing vibration and noise from mechanical systems improves overall system performance, reliability and safety. Effective damping of your system optimises the properties of your application and reduces the risk of damage or failure. As the use of damping materials minimises the material stress caused by vibrations, they significantly increase the service life of a mechanical system.
Types of damping materials
Different types of damping material are available that can be used efficiently in mechanics and construction. These include polyurethanes, elastomers and foams. Each material has its own specific properties, which must be evaluated for the respective application and the possible solutions. The choice of damping material depends on the specific requirements of the system, such as the frequency or the intensity of the vibration.
Polyurethane rubber
Polyurethane rubber is highly effective at dampening vibrations. It has excellent mechanical strength and is particularly resistant in combination with the high abrasion resistance. As polyurethane rubber has extensive vibration damping properties, it effectively cushions vibrations and absorbs the energy generated. It also has excellent resistance to oil and is primarily suitable for use in dry and chemical-free environments. Particularly heat-resistant, anti-static or abrasion-resistant forms of polyurethane rubber can be used depending on the area of application.
Polyurethane rubber
| Designation | Unit | Standard | Vulkollan® | Abrasion-resistant | Ceramic polyurethane | Heat resistant | Anti-rebound | Very soft | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Shore A | 95 | 90 | 70 | 50 | 30 | 92 | 68 | 90 | 70 | 95 | 90 | 70 | 50 | 90 | 70 | 15 |
| Relative density | - | 1.13 | 1.13 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.26 | 1.2 | 1.13 | 1.13 | 1.2 | 1.15 | 1.13 | 1.03 | 1.02 | ||
| Tensile strength | MPa | 44 | 27 | 56 | 47 | 27 | 45.5 | 60 | 44.6 | 31.3 | 42 | 26 | 53 | 45 | 44.6 | 11.8 | 0.6 |
| Elongation | % | 380 | 470 | 720 | 520 | 600 | 690 | 650 | 530 | 650 | 360 | 440 | 680 | 490 | 530 | 250 | 445 |
| Heat resistance to | °C | 70 | 80 (briefly 120) | 70 | 70 | 120 | 70 | 80 | |||||||||
| Cold resistance to | °C | -40 | -20 | -20 | -20 | -40 | -20 | -20 | -20 | -40 | |||||||
Elastomers
Elastomers are used in a large number of mechanical applications. Elastomers commonly used in industrial applications are:
- Nitrile rubber (NBR)
- Chloroprene rubber (CR)
- Ethylene rubber (EPDM)
- Butyl rubber (IIR)
- Fluorinated rubber (FPM)
- Silicone rubber (SI)
- Hard rubber
- Natural rubber (NR)
Elastomers are extremely versatile and can be used in different versions for a wide range of applications. Elastomers generally have a pronounced damping effect and can therefore withstand even strong vibrations and shocks. The material has particularly chemical- and temperature-resistant properties depending on the type of rubber used and can be used in applications requiring a high degree of shock absorption.
| Designation | Unit | Nitrile rubber (NBR) | Chloroprene rubber (CR) | Ethylene rubber (EPDM) | Butyl rubber (IIR) | Fluorinated rubber (FPM) | Silicone rubber (SI) | Hard rubber (Hanenaito®) | Natural rubber (NR) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | High-strength design | |||||||||||||
| Hardness | Shore A | 70 | 50 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 80 | 60 | 70 | 50 | 50 | 57 | 32 | 45 |
| Relative density | - | 1.6 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.9 | ||
| Tensile strength | MPa | 12.7 | 4.4 | 13.3 | 12.8 | 7.5 | 12.5 | 10.8 | 7.4 | 8.8 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 10.3 | 16.1 |
| Elongation | % | 370 | 400 | 460 | 490 | 380 | 330 | 270 | 300 | 330 | 400 | 810 | 840 | 730 |
| Max. Operating temperature | °C | 90 | 99 | 100 | 120 | 120 | 230 | 200 | 60 | 70 | ||||
| Temperature during continuous use | °C | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 210 | 150 | 30 | 70 | |||||
| Cold resistance to | °C | -10 | -35 | -40 | -30 | -10 | -70 | -50 | 10 | 0 | ||||
Foams
Foams can effectively dampen vibrations by absorbing the energy of the vibration across a variety of individual pores. They are very flexible and can also be applied to uneven or curved surfaces. They have good elasticity and, due to their porosity and low weight, can be used in a variety of ways to minimise vibrations and dampen noise. Another advantage of foams is the wide frequency range in which they can absorb vibrations.
Why are shock absorbers used in the field of mechanics?
Shock absorbers are used in mechanics to reduce or dampen the movement of an object or system. They can also prevent delays that can result in vibrations and oscillations in mechanical systems. Shock absorbers are frequently used in mechanical systems to absorb shocks and dampen the speed of moving objects in the event of a change in direction or impact. Frequently used for damping hydraulic systems (e.g. oil), achieving a compact design and robust operating characteristics.
In this data sheet, MISUMI shows an application example for "shock absorbers in mechanics".
How damping characteristics affect your application
Damping characteristics are an important factor for selecting the right shock absorber for an application. This characteristic describes the behaviour of the damper depending on the speed and deflection of the moving object.
There are different types of damping characteristics which are determined by the size, number and arrangement of the openings between the pressure chamber and the pressure accumulator inside the shock absorber.
Damper, classification according to damping characteristics
| Structure | Type of prefabricated force | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One opening |
|
|
Design with one opening has the same resistance characteristics as a slot design, with space between the piston and cylinder, a single-tube design with an opening in the piston, or a double-tube design with a single opening. A piston with one opening runs in an oil-filled cylinder. As the opening surface is the same through the entire stroke, the resistance is greatest immediately after an impact and then drops slightly during the further stroke. |
|
| Multiple irregular openings |
|
|
In this double-tube design, the piston runs in the inner tube. This inner tube has several openings in the stroke direction and can absorb not only constant energy, but also energy from different sources. Designed to absorb kinetic energy during the first half of the stroke and control speed during the second half. It is therefore well suited for absorbing energy in conjunction with air cylinders. |
|
| Multiple openings |
|
|
In this double-tube design, the piston runs in the inner tube. This has several openings in the stroke direction. As the openings gradually become smaller as the stroke speed decreases, the resistance remains relatively constant, even if it is slightly undulating. |
|
How do you select the right shock absorber for your application?
When selecting the right shock absorber for an application, other factors must be considered in addition to the damping characteristics in order to achieve an optimal damping effect. The following calculations and tests must be carried out to determine the right shock absorber for your application:
- Calculation of inertial energy
- Calculation of temporary damper stroke
- Calculation of excess energy
- Calculation of total energy
- Checking the maximum equivalent mass
- Selection of damping characteristics
- Checking the maximum energy consumed per minute
The choice of shock absorber depends on the application. High speed applications, for example, require shock absorbers with higher damping capacity.
Temperature and ambient conditions must also be taken into account to achieve optimal performance. Careful selection and installation of shock absorbers can help prolong the service life of mechanical systems and minimise noise and vibration.
Configure your components
You can configure shafts and other components freely with the MISUMI configurator.
Select the component type and set the desired specifications and characteristics.
CAD library
Use our extensive CAD library to select the optimal part for your components and applications.
Find inspiration in our inCAD library and edit your designs with our SolidWorks add-on “inCADcomponents”.
